Florida property taxes are due March 31st, with discounts for early payment starting November 1st. Missing this deadline incurs a 3% penalty, potential tax liens, and certificate sales. To avoid these, understand key Florida property tax deadlines and penalties: late payments lead to 18% annual interest and possible foreclosure. Payment plans are available with prior application. Check your county’s tax collector website for details and to explore exemptions.
When Are Florida Property Taxes Due?
There’s a strict schedule for Florida property tax deadlines. Here’s the key timeline:
- November 1: Property taxes become payable. This is also when discounts kick in for early payments.
- March 31: Final day to pay without penalties. Miss this, and things get expensive fast.
- April 1: Taxes become delinquent. This means added fees and interest start piling on.
- June: Tax certificates go up for auction. If your taxes remain unpaid, investors can purchase a lien on your property.
Florida’s tax system operates on a discount structure:
- November: 4% discount
- December: 3% discount
- January: 2% discount
- February: 1% discount
If you like free money, paying early is a no-brainer.
What Happens If You Miss the Deadline?
Miss the March 31 deadline? Now we’re in late fee territory.
Here’s what you’re looking at:
- April 1: A 3% penalty applies immediately.
- May: A tax lien is placed on your property.
- June: A tax certificate is sold, meaning someone else pays your taxes in exchange for collecting interest from you.
Once your taxes are delinquent, interest starts at 18% per year. That’s a steep price to pay. If the tax certificate holder isn’t repaid within two years, they can start foreclosure proceedings.
Can You Set Up a Payment Plan?
Florida does offer an installment plan, but you have to apply before May 1 of the year prior.
The installment plan breaks your taxes into four payments:
- 1st Payment: 25% of estimated tax – due June 30
- 2nd Payment: 25% + discount – due September 30
- 3rd Payment: 25% + discount – due December 31
- 4th Payment: Remaining balance – due March 31
It helps spread the cost across the year instead of one big bill.
What If You’re Buying or Selling A Home?
Property taxes are prorated at closing. That means the seller covers their part of the year, and the buyer picks up from there. If you’re selling, your unpaid taxes will be deducted from your proceeds at closing.
For buyers, make sure you check the previous year’s taxes so you aren’t caught off guard. Florida doesn’t allow tax proration to delay payment deadlines. Once those due dates hit, they apply to the new owner.
How to Check Your Florida Property Tax Bill
Each county has an online portal for property taxes. Head to your local tax collector’s website and search by your property’s address or parcel number.
You’ll see:
- Tax amounts
- Payment history
- Any outstanding balances
If you’re not sure who to contact, each county’s tax collector website has a directory.
FAQs
What happens if I miss the March 31 deadline by just a few days?
The 3% penalty applies no matter how late you are. Even one day past means added fees.
Can I fight a tax lien on my property?
The only way to remove a tax lien is to pay what’s owed. Florida law makes it clear—there’s no way around it.
Is there a way to lower my Florida property taxes?
Yes. You can apply for exemptions like the Homestead Exemption or appeal your home’s assessed value. Keeping up with Florida property tax deadlines is key to avoiding costly penalties. If you want to stay ahead.